Beverage dispensing system with user customizable inputs

ABSTRACT

A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to beverage dispensing. More specifically,but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a beveragedispensing method and device that allows the user to customize theirbeverage settings and preferences.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers that desire a certain beverage are required to purchase,store, retrieve, or prepare the beverage to meet their taste. Forexample, pre-packaged beverages (such as beverages packaged in cans orbottles) may create storage space issues and issues with transportation.Where beverages are prepared by the consumer, there is the attendantinconvenience of preparing the beverage. In recent years, consumers areturning to single serve pods/cartridges to deliver their hot or evencold beverages through countertop or water cooler based systems. Thesepods typically may contain a powder, concentrate, or grounds that mixwith a fluid to create the beverage. There are examples of currentcountertop systems that detect the type of pod or cartridge andconfigure the system accordingly. However, the use of such systems maylimit the ability of a consumer to prepare beverages which match theirtaste. Even where such systems allow a consumer to adjust parametersaffecting taste, doing so may be inconvenient and where multiple usersare using the same beverage dispensing system may require each user tomodify settings before each use. What is needed is a beverage dispensingsystem which assists users in preparing beverages according to theirindividual tastes in a way that is convenient to the users.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator isprovided. The refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, asecond compartment, a first door providing access to the firstcompartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment,and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. Therefrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected tothe cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured toidentify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beveragesettings and preferences associated with the user.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigeratorincludes a cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within thecabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, a fresh foodcompartment door providing access to the fresh food compartment and afreezer compartment door providing access to the freezer compartment.The refrigerator further includes a beverage dispensing system disposedoperatively connected to the cabinet, the beverage dispensing systemconfigured to prepare a beverage using a liquid enhancement componentand a user interface electrically connected to the beverage dispensingsystem, the user interface having a display and being configured toidentify a user of the beverage dispensing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a beverage dispensing integrated in a refrigerator.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representation of a beveragedispensing system.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example of a “main menu” screen displayaccessible to the user.

FIG. 4 is an illustrations of an example of an “add user” screendisplay.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example of a “user settings” screendisplay accessible to the user.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example of a “beverage usage and status”screen display accessible to the user.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example of a “beverage usage and status”screen display for an individual user.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example of an “add recipe” screendisplay accessible to the user.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a “brandable logos” screendisplay accessible to the user.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example of a “refrigerator componentand sub-systems reporting” screen display accessible to the user.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of another example of a “refrigeratorcomponent and sub-systems reporting” screen display accessible to theuser.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example of a “beverage dispensing”screen display accessible to the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerator 10 having a fresh food compartment 14and a freezer compartment 12. The fresh food compartment 14 has a door18 and the freezer compartment 12 has a door 16. The refrigerator 10includes a beverage dispensing system 20 which is shown in the door 16.As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 10 is shown in a side-by-sideconfiguration. Of course, the refrigerator 10 may take on otherconfigurations as well, such as a bottom mount freezer configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representation of a beveragedispensing system 20. The beverage dispensing system 20 may includebeverage dispenser components 22. The beverage dispenser components 22may include valve(s), pump(s), actuator(s), carbonator(s), heater(s) andnozzle(s) to allow the chosen beverage (colas, sparkling water, icedtea, lemonade, fruit punch, hot chocolate, hot tea, coffee, milk, water,hot water, etc.) to dispense into a consumer's chosen container (cup,glass, mug, etc.). The beverage dispensing system 20 may also dispenseice cubes and or crushed ices.

Another component of the beverage dispensing system 20 is an usercharacteristic detecting device 24 which may be integral to the beveragedispensing system 20 or may be mounted in any convenient location on thedoor 16 or otherwise. The characteristic detecting device 24 may be animage sensor which may be a device that converts an optical image to anelectric signal. The image sensor may be a charge-coupled device (CCD)or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) active-pixel sensor,or other type of image sensor or camera. The characteristic detectingdevice 24 may also be a fingerprint sensor or other type of device foruse in identifying a user.

Another component of the beverage dispensing system 20 is a display 26.The display 26 may display images or symbols which represent the stateof the refrigerator, such as fresh food temperature, freezertemperature, beverage dispenser functions and recognition of the presentuser. The display 26 may be a touch screen display.

Another component of the beverage dispensing system 20 are user controls28. The user controls 28 may include controls such as buttons, touchscreen display inputs, sliders or switches, which enable a user toselect a preferred dispensing operation or selected other settings.

Another component of the beverage dispensing system 20 is a clock 34.Although shown as a separate component, the clock may also be integratedinto the intelligent control 30. The clock 34 allows for maintainingtime and date information.

A memory/storage device 36 is also shown operatively connected to theintelligent control 30. The memory/storage device 36 may be used tostore individual user information. The memory/storage device 36 may be amachine readable storage medium.

The beverage dispensing system 20 may include a wired interface 38. Theinterface may be a sim card interface, USB interface, memory cardinterface, or other type of interface suitable for interfacing with aremovable device or memory. The removable device may be used to storeindividual user information and beverage usage patterns. The beverageusage patterns may be daily, weekly, monthly, yearly or for any otherperiod of time.

The beverage dispensing system 20 may also include a wireless interface40. The wireless interface 40 may be used to communicate with a computernetwork and/or cellular network, or other types of wireless networks.

The beverage dispensing system 20 may also include a reader/detector 42.The reader/detector 42 may be a radio-frequency identification (RFID)system, a microchip based system or a barcode system. A Radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) tag or a barcode may be affixed to the user'sbeverage container or a microchip may be embedded within the user'sbeverage container for the purpose of identifying a particular beveragecontainer. As will be discussed later herein the beverage container maybe associated with a particular user or type of beverage.

The beverage dispensing system 20 may also include sensors 44. Thesensors 44 may include temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, and/orpressure sensors to assist in allowing the chosen beverage to bedispensed properly and consistently. The sensors 44 may also includecontact sensors or other sensor used to determine the state of variouscomponents within the beverage dispensing system 20.

The beverage dispensing system 20 may include an intelligent control 30.The intelligent control 30 may function as a main controller for therefrigerator, including the functions provided by the beveragedispensing 20 as well as other operations. The intelligent control 30may be a microcontroller, microprocessor, or other type of intelligentcontrol. The intelligent control 30 is electrically connected to thebeverage dispenser components 22, the user characteristic detectingdevice 24, the display 26, the user controls 28, the clock 34, thememory/storage device 36, the wired interface 38, the wireless interface40, the reader/detector 42 and the sensors 44.

FIG. 3 illustrates a main menu 46 screen display which may be seen onthe display 26. The main menu screen display 46 may allow a user toaccess the add user screen display by selecting button 48, the usersettings screen display by selecting button 50, the beverage usage andstatus screen display by selecting button 52, the add recipe screendisplay by selecting button 54, the refrigerator component and systemreporting screen display by selecting button 56 and the beveragedispenser screen display by selecting button 58. The main menu screendisplay 46 is merely one example of a screen display that may be used bya user to perform various functions associated with the beveragedispensing system 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates the add user screen display 48 which may be seen onthe display 26. The add user screen display 48 may include a new userinput field 70. The add user screen display 48 may also include an uparrow 62, a down arrow 64, a left arrow 66, a right arrow 68 and an OKbutton 60. The up arrow 62 and down arrow 64 allow the user to scrollthrough an alphanumeric alphabet, both uppercase and lowercase to selecteach letter and number. The OK button 60 confirms each letter or numberchoice. The left arrow 66 and the right arrow 68 allow the user to moveleft or right within the input field 70. The add user screen display 48may also include a user settings button 50 and a main menu button 46 toallow the user to quickly jump to those screen displays.

FIG. 5 illustrates the user settings screen display 50 which may be seenon the display 26. The user settings screen display 50 may include a newuser input field 70. The user settings screen display 50 may include auser age input field 72. The user age input filed 72 may be utilized toprevent children from accessing hot beverages. The user settings screendisplay 50 may include a beverage input field 74. The beverage inputfield 74 allows each user to choose a preferred beverage, to choose apreferred time period and restrictions related to the preferredbeverage. The user settings screen display 50 may include a brandablelogo 76 to be associated with a preferred beverage. The user settingsscreen display 50 may also include an up arrow 62, a down arrow 64, aleft arrow 66, a right arrow 68 and an OK button 60. The up arrow 62 anddown arrow 64 allow the user to scroll through an alphanumeric alphabet,both uppercase and lowercase, to select each letter and number. The OKbutton 60 confirms each letter or number choice. The left arrow 66 andthe right arrow 68 allow the user to move left or right within the inputfield 70. The user settings screen display 50 may also include a addbeverage or recipe button 75, a remove beverage or recipe button 77 anda main menu button 46. The add beverage or recipe button 75 allows theuser to add multiple preferred beverages or recipes. The remove beverageor recipe button 77 allows the user to remove multiple preferredbeverages or recipes which are no longer preferred or available. Themain menu button 46 allows the user to quickly go back to the main menu.

FIG. 6 illustrates a beverage usage and status screen display 52 whichmay be seen on the display 26. The beverage usage and status screendisplay 52 may include the following column headings: beverage 78,consumed 80, remaining 82 and out of date 84. The column heading“beverage” 78 names the particular beverage or fluid enhancementcomponent. The heading “consumed” 80 reflects the amount of eachbeverage or fluid enhancement component consumed. The heading“remaining” 82 reflects the amount of each beverage or fluid enhancementcomponent remaining The heading “out of date” 84 reflects the freshnessof each beverage or fluid enhancement component. The page left 86 andpage right 90 arrows allow the user to scroll through multiples of pagesfor easy viewing. The by user 92 button allows the user to jump to theuser beverage usage and status screen display 92 for viewing individualuser usage and status. The main menu button 46 allows the user toquickly go back to the main menu.

FIG. 7 illustrates a user beverage usage and status screen display 92which may be seen on the display 26. The individual beverage usage andstatus screen display 92 may include the following column headings:beverage 79, daily, 94, weekly, 96, monthly 98 and calories 100. Thedaily 94 column may relate the total volume of beverage 79 per day. Theweekly 96 column may relate the total volume of beverage 79 per week.The monthly 98 column may relate the total volume of beverage 79 permonth. The calories 100 column may relate the total calories of beverage79 per day, week or month. The page left 86 and page right 90 arrowsallow the user to scroll through multiples of pages for easy viewing.The main menu button 46 allows the user to quickly go back to the mainmenu.

FIG. 8 illustrates the add recipe screen display 54 which may be seen onthe display 26. The add recipe screen display 54 may include a userpreference input field 110. The user preference input field 110 may havefields to input beverage brand, sweetener brand, dairy brand, beveragetemperature, beverage volume, i.e., 8 oz. or 12 oz. The input field 110may also for carbonation and the time of day to dispense. The add recipescreen display 54 may also include an up arrow 62, a down arrow 64, aleft arrow 66, a right arrow 68 and an OK button 60. The up arrow 62 anddown arrow 64 allow the user to scroll through an alphanumeric alphabetwithin the user preference input field 110 to select each letter andnumber (both uppercase and lowercase letters). The OK button 60 confirmseach letter or number choice. The left arrow 66 and the right arrow 68allow the user to move left or right within the input field 70. The addrecipe screen display 54 may also include a add user button 48 and amain menu button 46 to allow the user to quickly jump to those screendisplays. The add recipe screen display 54 may include an add logo 108button. The add logo 108 button may jump to a logo selection screendisplay 109 wherein the user may select from logos residing withinmemory/storage 36.

FIG. 9 illustrates a brandable logo screen display 109 which may be seenon the display 26. The brandable logo screen display 109 may show logos76A-F associated with beverage or fluid enhancement consumable withinthe beverage dispensing system 20 or may show all logos 76A-F which areassociated with any beverage or fluid enhancement consumable availablefor use within the beverage dispensing system 20. The brandable logoscreen display 109 may include a logo left arrow 102 and a logo rightarrow 106 which allows the user to scroll through all available logos104. The main menu button 46 allows the user to quickly go back to themain menu.

FIG. 10-11 each illustrate separate pages for the refrigerator componentand sub-systems reporting screen display 56 which may be seen on thedisplay 26. The refrigerator component and sub-systems reporting screendisplay 56 may include the beverage dispenser components 22, the usercharacteristic detecting device 24, the display 26, the clock 34, thememory/storage 36, the wireless interface 40, the reader/detector 42 andthe sensor(s) 44. The refrigerator component and sub-systems reportingscreen display 56 may include a page left arrow 112 and a page rightarrow 116 which allows the user to scroll through all available pages114. The main menu button 46 allows the user to quickly go back to themain menu.

FIG. 12 illustrates the beverage dispenser screen display 58 which maybe seen on the display 26. The beverage dispenser screen display 58 mayinclude an interactive welcome message 118 based on the usercharacteristic detection device 24. The interactive welcome message 118may include a yes 120 button and a no 122 button. By pressing the yes120 button the beverage dispenser shall dispense a beverage based on theuser settings screen display 50. By pressing the no 120 button the usermay have multiple dispensing choices. The user may select crushed ice126, cubed ice 128, hot water 130 and cold water 132 or any combinationthereof. The user may select a beverage by brandable logo 76. The usermay view a brandable logo 76 by pressing the logo left arrow 122 or thelogo right arrow 126. The brandable logo 76 may be selected by pressinglogo indicator 124. The user may also select a beverage by recipe 140.The user may view a recipe 140 by pressing the left recipe arrow 134 orthe right recipe arrow 138. The user may then select a recipe 140 bypressing recipe indicator 136. The main menu button 46 allows the userto quickly go back to the main menu.

EXAMPLE 1

The beverage dispensing system 20 may de-activate the hot water fromdispensing when children are using the beverage dispenser components 22.Thus in this example, the beverage dispensing system 20 provides a safeand optimized usage experience of the beverage dispenser components 22which may prevent a child from being burned or scalded by the hot water.To do so, the user characteristic detecting device 24 may acquire animage of the user and determine that the user is a child. One way ofdoing so is to compare an image of the user with images within adatabase to determine a match and to then access data associated withinthe image indicating that the user is a child. The user characteristicdetecting device 24 may also acquire a fingerprint of the user anddetermine that the user is a child. One way of doing so is to compare afingerprint of the user with fingerprints within a database to determinea match and to then access data associated within the fingerprintindicating that the user is a child.

EXAMPLE 2

The beverage dispensing system 20 may be programmed to prevent childrenfrom drinking too much of a specific type of beverage. Thus in thisexample, the beverage dispensing system 20 may limit a child to fourcaffeinated drinks per day, or no more than one caffeinated drink perhour. Additionally the beverage dispensing system may not allow thechild to have caffeinated beverages after a certain hour. The beveragedispensing system 20 may then prevent a child from over indulging in abeverage which may cause them to become over caffeinated and they aretherefore provided a safe and optimized beverage dispensing usageexperience. To do so, the user characteristic detecting device 24 mayacquire an image of the user and determine that the user is a child. Oneway of doing so is to compare an image of the user with images within adatabase to determine a match and to then access data associated withinthe image indicating that the user is a child. The user characteristicdetecting device 24 may also acquire a fingerprint of the user anddetermine that the user is a child. One way of doing so is to compare afingerprint of the user with fingerprints within a database to determinea match and to then access data associated within the fingerprintindicating that the user is a child.

EXAMPLE 3

The beverage dispensing system 20 may prepare a given drink that theconsumer uses on a regular basis. Thus in this example, the beveragedispensing system 20 may provide coffee or juice in the morning, colathroughout the day. The user places their beverage container into thebeverage dispenser components 22 and receives their preferred beveragewithout the need to make any decisions and they are therefore provided asafe and optimized beverage dispensing usage experience. To do so, theuser characteristic detecting device 24 may acquire an image of the userand determine the identity of that the user. One way of doing so is tocompare an image of the user with images within a database to determinea match and to then access data associated within the image indicatingthat specific user. The user characteristic detecting device 24 may alsoacquire a fingerprint of the user and determine that the user. One wayof doing so is to compare a fingerprint of the user with fingerprintswithin a database to determine a match and to then access dataassociated within the fingerprint indicating that the user.

EXAMPLE 4

The beverage dispensing system 20 may recognize a type of container,such as a mug or a specific glass. Thus in this example, the beveragedispensing system 20 may recommend via the user interface a beveragethat matches the container type or automatically dispense a beveragethat matched the container type. To do so, the user characteristicdetecting device 24 may acquire an image of the container and determinethe type of container. One way of doing so is to compare an image of thecontainer with images within a database to determine a match and to thenaccess data associated within the image indicating that specificcontainer type. The user may then place their beverage container intothe beverage dispenser components 22 and receive their preferredbeverage and they are therefore provided a safe and optimized beveragedispensing usage experience.

EXAMPLE 5

The beverage dispensing system 20 may display branded logos, refer toFIG. 7. Thus in this example, the beverage dispensing system 20 mayutilize brandable logos for the user to make their beverage dispensingdecisions. To do so, the user characteristic detecting device 24 mayacquire an image of the user and determine the users preferred beveragesand then display a plurality of branded logos. One way of doing so is tocompare an image of the user with images within a database to determinea match and to then access data associated within the image indicatingthat user. The user may then place their beverage container into thebeverage dispenser components 22 and receive their chosen beverage andthey are therefore provided a safe and optimized beverage dispensingusage experience.

EXAMPLE 6

The beverage dispensing system 20 may display the status of the beveragedispensing system 20, refer to FIG. 6A-C. Thus in this example, thebeverage dispensing system 20 gives the user important informationgraphically, iconically and/or textually to the real-time operation ofthe system via the display 26. The information may include the pluralityof beverage dispenser components 22, the user characteristic detectingdevice 24, the reader/detector 42, etc. Also, the beverage dispensingsystem 20 may presently be brewing a beverage, or carbonating abeverage, etc. As these processes occur internally they are not visibleto the user, the beverage dispensing system 20 may inform to its statevia the display 26. The beverage dispensing system 20 may also notifythe user of the need to replace a beverage which is now empty or itsexpiration date has expired, or indicate how much fluid or beverageenhancement is available (such as many unused pods are available inpod-systems) or otherwise provide an inventory of fluid enhancementcomponents. To do so, the intelligent control 30 may query and acquirethe status of the various beverage dispenser components 22, the usercharacteristic detecting device 24, the display 26, the user controls 28the memory/storage 34, the clock 34, the memory/storage device 36, thewired interface 38, the wireless interface 40, the reader/detector 42,and the sensors 44. One way of doing so is to compare the existingstatus of the various beverage dispenser components 22, the usercharacteristic detecting device 24, the display 26, the user controls 28the memory/storage 36, the clock 34, the memory/storage device 36, theinterface 38, the wireless interface 40, the reader/detector 42, and thesensors 44 with the present status of the various beverage dispensercomponents 22, the image sensor, the user controls 28 the memory/storage36, the reader/detector 42 and the image processing component within adatabase to determine a change and to then to indicate that to the uservia the display 26.

EXAMPLE 7

The beverage dispensing system 20 may also display drink information foreach user for a given period of time, refer to FIG. 8. Thus in thisexample, the beverage dispensing system 20 gives the user importantinformation such as nutritional or the total volume consumed for eachbeverage which they may use to adjust their consumption rates. Theinformation may also be used to evaluate costs associated with eachbeverage over time.

EXAMPLE 8

The beverage dispensing system 20 may detect a user's containerutilizing RFID tags. Thus in this example, the beverage dispensingsystem 20 recognizes the user based upon the container. To do so, theRFID reader/detector 42 may acquire the identifying information of thecontainer from the RFID tag affixed to the container. One way of doingso is to compare the identifying information located in the RFID tag ofthe container with identifying information within a database todetermine a match and to then access data associated within theidentifying information indicating that the user. The system mayassociate a specific beverage based on the container. The system mayalso associate the container to a specific user and their beveragepreferences. The user then places their beverage container into thebeverage dispenser components 22 and is then provided a safe andoptimized beverage dispensing usage experience.

EXAMPLE 9

The beverage dispensing system 20 may detect a user's containerutilizing direct contact data communication via a microchip within thecontainer, or other means. Thus in this example, the beverage dispensingsystem 20 recognizes the user based upon the container. To do so, theRFID reader/detector 42 may acquire the identifying information of thecontainer from the microchip embedded within the container. One way ofdoing so is to compare the identifying information located in themicrochip of the container with identifying information within adatabase to determine a match and to then access data associated withinthe identifying information indicating that the user. The system mayassociate a specific beverage based on the container. The system mayalso associate the container to a specific user and their beveragepreferences. The user then places their beverage container into thebeverage dispenser components 22 and is then provided a safe andoptimized beverage dispensing usage experience.

EXAMPLE 10

The beverage dispensing system 20 recognizes the container and not theuser. Thus in this example, the beverage dispensing system 20 recognizesthe container visually as opposed to utilizing a RFID tag affixed to thecontainer or a microchip embedded into the container. The system mayassociate a specific beverage based on the container. The system mayalso associate the container to a specific user and their beveragepreferences. Thus in this example, the beverage dispensing system 20 mayrecommend via the user interface a beverage that matches the containertype. To do so, the user characteristic detecting device 24 may acquirean image of the container and determine the type of container. One wayof doing so is to compare an image of the container with images within adatabase to determine a match and to then access data associated withinthe image indicating that specific container type. The user may thenplace their beverage container into the beverage dispenser components 22and receive their preferred beverage and they are therefore provided asafe and optimized beverage dispensing usage experience. The user thenplaces their beverage container into the beverage dispenser components22 and is then provided a safe and optimized beverage dispensing usageexperience.

EXAMPLE 11

The beverage dispensing system 20 may limit caloric intake of the userfor a given period of time. Thus in this example, the beveragedispensing system 20 prevents the user from dispensing any beverage oncea caloric limit has been reached for the given period of time. To do so,the user characteristic detecting device 24 may acquire an image of thecontainer and/or the user and determine the type of container and/or theuser. One way of doing so is to compare an image of the container and/orthe user with images within a database to determine a match and to thenaccess data associated within the image indicating that specificcontainer type and/or the user. The beverage dispensing system 20 mayquery the user regarding limiting caloric intake or the user mayinitiate limiting caloric intake via the user interface 36. The user maylimit their caloric intake to 1000 calories a day or any other caloricvalue or time period. The user may then place their beverage containerinto the beverage dispenser components 22 and receive their preferredbeverage and they are therefore provided a safe and optimized beveragedispensing usage experience.

EXAMPLE 12

The beverage dispensing system 20 may limit drink selections of theuser. Thus in this example, the beverage dispensing system 20 preventsthe user from dispensing certain beverages, such as sugary orcaffeinated beverages, etc. To do so, the user characteristic detectingdevice 24 may acquire an image of the container and/or the user anddetermine the type of container and/or the user. One way of doing so isto compare an image of the container and/or the user with images withina database to determine a match and to then access data associatedwithin the image indicating that specific container type and/or theuser. The beverage dispensing system 20 may query the user regardinglimiting caloric intake or the user may initiate limiting caloric intakevia the user interface 36. The user may limit their caloric intake to1000 calories a day or any other caloric value or time period. The usermay then place their beverage container into the beverage dispensercomponents 22 and receive their preferred beverage and they aretherefore provided a safe and optimized beverage dispensing usageexperience.

EXAMPLE 13

The beverage dispensing system 20 may inform the user of their beverageusage. Thus in this example, the beverage dispensing system 20 informsthe user of their beverage usage via the display 26 for monitoringdietary intake. The information may include total beverages, totalvolume and total calories for a day, a week, a month or any length oftime. The beverage dispensing system 20 may query the user regardingdisplaying the information or the information may be displayed as anormal operating function of the beverage dispensing system 20. To doso, the user characteristic detecting device 24 may acquire an image ofthe user and determine the user. One way of doing so is to compare animage of the user with images within a database to determine a match andto then access data associated within the image indicating the user andthen displaying the beverage usage.

EXAMPLE 14

The beverage dispensing system 20 may inform the user of their beverageusage. Thus in this example, the beverage dispensing system 20 informsthe user of their beverage usage via the display 26 to assist withinventory management. The information may include total beverage usagefor a day, a week, a month or any length of time. The beveragedispensing system 20 may query the user regarding displaying theinformation or the information may be displayed as a normal operatingfunction of the beverage dispensing system 20. To do so, the usercharacteristic detecting device 24 may acquire an image of the user anddetermine the user. One way of doing so is to compare an image of theuser with images within a database to determine a match and to thenaccess data associated within the image indicating the user and thendisplaying the beverage inventory levels.

EXAMPLE 15

The beverage dispensing system 20 recognizes indicia on the container.Thus in this example, the beverage dispensing system 20 may recommendvia the user interface a beverage that matches the container indicia orautomatically dispense a beverage that matched the container indicia. Todo so, the user characteristic detecting device 24 may acquire an imageof the container indicia and determine the indicia on the container. Oneway of doing so is to compare an image of the container indicia withimages within a database to determine a match and to then access dataassociated within the image indicating that specific container indicia.The user may then place their beverage container into the beveragedispenser components 22 and receive their preferred beverage and theyare therefore provided a safe and optimized beverage dispensing usageexperience.

The invention has been shown and described above with respect to variousaspects and embodiments, and it is understood that many modifications,substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intendedspirit and scope of the invention. For example, the present inventioncontemplates numerous variations with respect to the types of sensorsused, the user interface used, the method in which users are identified,the methods in which users specify preferences, and other variations,options, and alternatives. The present invention is not to be limited toany specific embodiment described herein or combinations thereof.

1. A refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising; a cabinet; a first compartment; a second compartment; a first door providing access to the first compartment; a second door providing access to the second compartment; a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet; and a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.
 2. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the user interface comprises a user characteristic detecting device configured to assist in identifying the user.
 3. The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein the user characteristic detecting device comprises an imaging device.
 4. The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein the user characteristic detecting device comprises a bar code reader.
 5. The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein the user characteristic detecting device comprises an RFID reader.
 6. The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein the user characteristic detecting device comprises a fingerprint recognition device.
 7. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the user interface is configured to adjust beverage parameters for the user at least partially based on time of day.
 8. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the user interface is configured for storing usage data for the beverage dispensing system.
 9. The refrigerator of claim 8 wherein the usage data includes beverage data and time data.
 10. The refrigerator of claim 9 wherein the usage data further includes user data.
 11. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the user interface being configured to report beverage usage data of the user.
 12. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the user interface being configured to display user preferences comprising at least one of level of carbonation, beverage strength, and sweetener level.
 13. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the user interface is configured to display restrictions associated with the user.
 14. The refrigerator of claim 13 wherein the restrictions include number of drinks allowed per day.
 15. A refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising; a cabinet; a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet; a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet; a fresh food compartment door providing access to the fresh food compartment; a freezer compartment door providing access to the freezer compartment; a beverage dispensing system disposed operatively connected to the cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to prepare a beverage using a liquid enhancement component; and a user interface electrically connected to the beverage dispensing system, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system.
 16. The refrigerator of claim 15 wherein the user interface comprises a user characteristic detecting device configured to assist in identifying the user.
 17. The refrigerator of claim 16 wherein the user characteristic detecting device comprises an imaging device.
 18. The refrigerator of claim 15 wherein the refrigerator being configured to report on beverage usage of the user.
 19. The refrigerator of claim 15 wherein the refrigerator being configured to restrict beverage dispensement based on user restrictions associated with the user.
 20. The refrigerator of claim 15 wherein the refrigerator is configured to store recipes for beverages and associate the recipes with the user.
 21. The refrigerator of claim 15 wherein the user interface is configured to display brandable logos on the display to identify beverages.
 22. The refrigerator of claim 15 wherein the user interface is configured to display a number of amount of a beverage produced based on availability of beverage enhancement. 